Public Wireless Supply Chain Innovation Fund Grant Program

The Innovation Fund aims to foster competition and innovation across the global telecommunications ecosystem, lower costs for consumers and network operators, and strengthen the 5G supply chain. The program’s objectives include unlocking opportunities for innovative companies, particularly small and medium enterprises, to compete in a market historically dominated by a few suppliers, some of which present a high-security risk. Open and interoperable wireless networks offer numerous benefits over traditional, closed networks that will lower the barriers of entry for new and emerging companies. Using open and interoperable wireless networks allows operators to procure the best solutions for their specific needs by mixing and matching network components, rather than procuring proprietary end-to-end solutions from a single supplier. Open and interoperable networks may also reduce costs for consumers and network operators by increasing competition between 5G radio access network suppliers, leading to rapid innovation and/or potentially lowering capital expenditures and operating expenses. This increased competition will also drive innovation, leading to the development of new and improved RAN features. Ultimately, the increase in competition spurred by the shift to open networks will bolster resilience in the global telecommunications equipment market and enhance 5G supply chain security. Pursuant to the FY21 NDAA, the Innovation Fund facilitates the adoption of open and interoperable wireless networks through the following statutory objectives: i. Promoting and deploying technology, including software, hardware, and microprocessing technology, that will enhance competitiveness in 5G and successor wireless technology supply chains that use open and interoperable interface radio access networks (RAN). ii. Accelerating commercial deployments of open interface standards-based compatible, interoperable equipment. iii. Promoting and deploying compatibility of new 5G equipment with future open standards-based, interoperable equipment. iv. Managing integration of multi-vendor network environments. v. Identifying objective criteria to define equipment as compliant with open standards for multi-vendor network equipment interoperability. vi. Promoting and deploying security features enhancing the integrity and availability of equipment in multi-vendor networks. vii. Promoting and deploying network function virtualization to facilitate multi-vendor interoperability and a more diverse vendor market.